Abel Garcia Rejected Plea Deal in Manslaughter Case
The defendant faces an intoxication manslaughter charge following a deadly crash earlier this year.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Abel Garcia rejected a 15-year plea deal for the intoxication manslaughter charge involving the death of 18-year-old Angelique Diaz De Leon. During the court hearing, Garcia also moved to change his legal representation.
Why it matters
The rejection of the plea deal moves the case toward a scheduled trial, forcing the court to address both the underlying charges and alleged violations of the defendant's release conditions, including a positive test for cocaine.
The 48-year-old defendant rejected a 15-year plea offer regarding the Jan. 1 crash. Court proceedings are now focused on the Oct. 30 trial date while addressing allegations that Garcia violated his bond release conditions.
The players
Abel Garcia
He is a 48-year-old defendant charged with intoxication manslaughter following a fatal crash.
Angelique Diaz De Leon
She was an 18-year-old victim who died in the collision.
The details
Garcia is accused of intoxication manslaughter after a fatal collision occurred at 2 a.m. at Gateway North Boulevard and Sean Haggerty Drive. Beyond the primary charge, the judge is evaluating reports that Garcia violated release conditions by driving and testing positive for cocaine in July.
Timeline
Jan. 1, 2026: The fatal crash occurred in Northeast El Paso.
Jan. 21, 2026: Abel Garcia turned himself in to authorities.
July 2026: Garcia allegedly tested positive for cocaine.
Sept. 24, 2026: Garcia rejected a plea deal and changed his attorney.
Oct. 30, 2026: The trial is scheduled to begin.
Legal Context
This case follows the sentencing guidelines established by the Texas Penal Code definition of intoxication manslaughter, which sets strict penalties for fatal accidents involving impaired drivers. The prosecution's offer and the subsequent trial preparation follow the established sentencing patterns set by this statute.
Residents in Northeast El Paso may notice increased activity at the courthouse as this high-profile case proceeds to trial. The proceedings highlight ongoing local concerns regarding road safety and the enforcement of release conditions for defendants awaiting trial.
The takeaway
The rejection of a significant plea offer signals the beginning of a complex legal battle that will test the strength of the evidence against the defendant. Transparency in these proceedings remains essential for the community to understand the application of justice in fatal traffic accidents.
What happens next
The court will convene next Thursday for further proceedings, and the trial for the intoxication manslaughter charge is officially scheduled to commence on Oct. 30, 2026.
Further reading
For more on how local courts handle high-stakes criminal proceedings, visit Criminal Justice.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTSM 9 News.
